Going on vacation should involve nothing more than relaxation. But, if you're the owner or manager of a business, the lead-up to the trip can be hectic. You don't want anything to catch on fire, figuratively or literally, while you're away. So what's the appropriate solution?

Delegation is the answer ─ granting additional temporary responsibility to subordinate employees in whom you place full, implicit trust. Let’s review key tips for properly assigning responsibilities so your getaway can be stress-free.

Choose wisely & communicate
First off, choose the right team members to handle some of your tasks while you are out. Consider factors like seniority and experience, track records of success, and experience in client communications. CNN Money advised acknowledging that things do not have to be perfect in your absence ─ competence and function are most important.

Everyone who reports to you should know you're vacationing well in advance. Send emails both notifying employees of the trip and explain who will be dealing with what key topics. Use a shared office calendar to send reminders of the trip before it occurs. According to The Travel Type, a travel and lifestyle blog, one-on-one meetings with any workers handling particularly big workloads in your absence can help.

A second in command?
If you plan on taking a long vacation - two weeks or more ─ CNN Money recommended the practice of pairing: Have a trusted team member shadow you and learn enough to act in a supervisory function in your stead.

Authorization & file sharing
If subordinates of yours will handle secure information, grant them the appropriate access and permissions throughout the system. Redbooth, a provider of workflow solutions, recommended on its blog that you attach or share all the files and documents they'll need as well, and use clear task descriptions to outline each action item.
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These steps can help you have a more enjoyable vacation, while teamwork and productivity carries on back at the office.